tetralogy of Fallot
Pronunciation: te-TRAL-o-jee of fa-LOW
A complex congenital heart defect consisting of four anatomical abnormalities that affect blood oxygenation.
Full Definition
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect, comprising four characteristic features: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. The degree of pulmonary stenosis determines the severity of symptoms and timing of intervention. Affected infants may present with cyanosis, clubbing, and hypercyanotic spells ("tet spells") during exertion or crying. The condition requires surgical repair, typically performed as a complete intracardiac repair in infancy. Some patients may require initial palliation with a Blalock-Taussig shunt before definitive repair. Long-term follow-up is essential due to potential complications including pulmonary regurgitation, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot; commonly abbreviated as TOF in clinical practice.
In Context
- "The newborn was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot and scheduled for cardiac catheterization." — Pediatric cardiology report
- "Adults with repaired TOF require lifelong cardiac surveillance for potential complications." — Adult congenital heart disease clinic